A month in Paris

Apparently, Mirecourt is still the center of violin making in France. It is about 20 miles south of Nancy, 3 hours by TGV + regional train from Paris.
Get a monthly transit pass.
Become a Velib member so you can get a bike anytime you want.

I remember walking downhill behind St. Lazare station on a street that had many violoin makers. I'll have to research to try to find it again on a map or internet, but I'll edit this response if I do identify it.

We stayed in Paris for 5 weeks a few summers ago and here are some tips based on our experience...
Take advantage of times when things are less crowded such as the days that the Louvre is open at night.
Get to know a favorite place very well...we went to the gardens in Versailles many times and just explored until we knew it like the back of our hand! Find a place you love and frequent it - you have the luxury to slow down and enjoy.
Frequent the same cafe or boulangerie until the staff recognizes you...it's probably the only way you'll get to know any French people on any level at all.
Buy fresh produce, cheese, meat, bread, and cook if you have a kitchen...the food from the street markets is astoundingly fresh and delicious. Take advantage of it!
Spend time in neighborhoods and parks that are off the tourist track - Paris is really just a bunch of small villages each with its own flavor.
Have a wonderful time!

Thank you all. The information is very helpful. Feel free to add anything you may think of.

just a comment,

im envious - a month in Paris.

happy trails.

Use the Navigo pass.

Chat with the locals in your neighborhood - the shopkeepers, the restaurant staff, etc. They are likely to be locals and it will give you more of the backdoor experience. So will frequenting the same establishments over and over.

Try Paris Greeters - another way to get in a few back doors.

Did I mention that I'm jealous? Sounds like a wonderful journey.

I was in Paris for just two weeks this past September, but you might get some ideas from my blog: www.cjtparis2013.blogspot.com. I don't know what method you are using for French, but I can recommend Pimsleur. While I am no where near fluent, several locals commended that my French was good. Bon voyage.

Carolyn-
I'm traveling soon so I didn't get all the way through your blog, but I'll be sure to finish it at the airport. So far, it's really informative and the pictures are great. Thank you!
-John

It's Rue de Rome behind the Gare St. Lazare which has the luthier, violin making shops. To be sure I used google maps and saw two at 46 and 48 rue de Rome. I remember seeing many more on that street.

Thanks, Bets. Oh, wait; Merci!